The FIA sent out a warning to all teams and drivers about using offensive language in media interviews, saying that it "shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity" on Formula One.

Both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen swore during the podium ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was broadcast across the world directly after the race. According to the Times the letter reminded the teams and drivers it was "very much our collective responsibility to make sure drivers are aware such language has no place during media events".

On the evening of the race Sebastian Vettel issued the following apology on his personal website.

"I'm terribly sorry for using the wrong word on the podium and I'm sorry if I have offended anyone who was watching. In the heat of the moment, I didn't use the right words and I apologise. I'll do it better next time."